Sir Elton John has expressed his sheer astonishment after achieving yet another milestone in his illustrious career: scoring his 10th UK number one album.
This time, the legendary singer-songwriter has teamed up with US country star Brandi Carlile for the album Who Believes In Angels?, which has soared to the top of the charts.
This marks an extraordinary moment, as it comes 52 years after Sir Elton’s very first UK number one. Reflecting on his remarkable career, he shared, “It seems quite extraordinary that my career has gone on so long,” when speaking to the BBC.
For the 76-year-old artist, reaching this peak was something special, and he admitted that achieving a number one is always a thrilling experience. “It always feels good to top a chart, no matter where it is,” he said. “And with this album, I’m especially thrilled because I think it’s the finest album I’ve done for a long time.“
The album, which was written and recorded in just three weeks during late 2023, has received widespread acclaim from critics.
Describing it as “a gutsy, flamboyant tearjerker” and a “late-career high,” the album has been praised for its emotional depth and unique flair.
Despite its warm reception, the creation of Who Believes In Angels? wasn’t without its struggles. The process of making the album was documented in a raw, behind-the-scenes video that was later posted on YouTube.
In this footage, fans witnessed Sir Elton experiencing moments of frustration, where he was seen slamming down his headphones, shouting at his collaborators, and even tearing up song lyrics.
At times, he even threatened to quit. These moments of tension painted a picture of an artist under pressure, working through his emotions and trying to perfect his vision for the album.
Sir Elton was candid about the pressures he faced during the recording process, admitting that his mood was impacted by several factors. He explained that he was recovering from a hip replacement at the time, which contributed to his “nervous” and “irritable” state.
However, a significant part of the challenge was his new approach to songwriting, as he worked alongside Carlile, producer Andrew Watt, and long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin. “It was an enormous challenge, getting those four people together,” Sir Elton shared.
“And the challenge really was at my feet.” He reflected on his own insecurities, saying, “I was very nervous [because] I wanted the album to stand a certain way, but you can’t always guarantee it will.” These emotions led to what he described as “bad behaviour moments,” which were rooted in his internal frustrations.
Despite these challenges, Sir Elton explained that once the opening track, The Rose of Laura Nyro, was recorded, everything started to fall into place.
“In two and a half weeks, we recorded 14 songs and finished them,” he proudly stated, reflecting on how quickly the album came together after that pivotal moment.
However, the album’s release was delayed due to an unexpected health setback. Sir Elton suffered from an eye infection that caused vision difficulties, which ultimately postponed the album’s arrival.
In a recent interview with The Times, he revealed the ongoing effects of his vision issues, noting that he can no longer watch his sons play rugby due to his eyesight challenges.
Despite these setbacks, the album was finally released, and it quickly garnered attention for its poignant themes and powerful collaborations.
One track that stood out from the album was Swing For The Fences, which Carlile helped conceive as a powerful anthem for the LGBTQ+ community.
Carlile shared her inspiration behind the song, saying, “I’m a gay woman, Elton’s a gay man and we both have families, and our dreams have come true. I was thinking, wouldn’t it be cool to write an anthem for young gay kids out there that calls them into a bigger, more elegant, more fabulous life?”
She continued, explaining the spirit of the song, “Just like, ‘Go, go! Don’t let anything hold you back!’” Sir Elton, who has been a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his solidarity with Carlile’s vision, telling BBC News, “At the moment when Brandi wrote this lyric, she wanted to say, ‘Listen, fight for yourself. Be proud of yourself who you are, never be ashamed of who you are, and you will win through.'”
The message of strength and pride resonated deeply with listeners, making the song a significant moment in the album.
Who Believes In Angels? quickly became a commercial success, with the album selling over 15,000 copies in the UK within the first two days of its release.
This impressive figure helped the album clinch the top spot on the UK charts, where it was also the week’s best-seller on vinyl. With this achievement, Sir Elton John now shares the title of having the most UK number one albums with other music legends such as Abba, Queen, Kylie Minogue, and Michael Jackson, all of whom have 10 number ones.
However, the two artists who hold the record for the most number one albums are The Beatles and Robbie Williams, both of whom have 15.
Sir Elton’s continued success is a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to adapt and evolve throughout his career.
This milestone is not only a reflection of Sir Elton’s musical genius but also a recognition of the ever-evolving music landscape that allows his career to thrive.
The album’s success has drawn attention to the impressive staying power of an artist who has been making music for decades.
In addition to Sir Elton’s chart-topping success, another notable album release that week was from Black Country, New Road, the Cambridge indie band that debuted at number three with their third album, Forever Howlong.
This marked the band’s first release since the departure of frontman Isaac Wood, and their new sound—a more soothing, baroque-pop style with lyrics focusing on friendship and camaraderie—was well received.
Meanwhile, the UK singles chart saw some notable movements, with Alex Warren’s Ordinary remaining in the top spot for a fourth consecutive week.
Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club held strong at number two, while Ed Sheeran made a significant return to the chart with his comeback single Azizam, which entered the top 10 at number three.
The song, which features Persian influences, marked Sheeran’s 42nd Top 10 hit in the UK, but notably, it was the first time in his career that the lead single from an album did not debut at number one.
This shift highlighted the changing dynamics of the music industry, where even established stars like Sheeran are facing new challenges in securing the top spot.
Despite these challenges, Sir Elton’s achievement with Who Believes In Angels? underscores his resilience and continued relevance in the music world.
At a time when many artists would be considering retirement, Sir Elton continues to push boundaries and prove that age is no barrier to creativity and success. With this album, he has solidified his place in music history, not just as a legend of the past, but as a contemporary force in the industry.
His willingness to collaborate with newer artists like Brandi Carlile and address issues like LGBTQ+ rights through his music shows his commitment to creating music that resonates with today’s generation while staying true to his roots.
As Sir Elton John reflects on his career, he also demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of evolution in the music industry.
His partnership with Brandi Carlile for Who Believes In Angels? is an example of how he continues to find new ways to engage with audiences, remaining relevant in a rapidly changing world.
With each new project, he proves that his voice, both literal and metaphorical, is one that continues to inspire and connect with fans around the world.
Through his music, he offers not only entertainment but also messages of resilience, love, and acceptance that transcend generations.
As he celebrates this incredible achievement, there is little doubt that Sir Elton John’s place in music history is firmly secured.
Elton John’s UK number one albums
- Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player (1973)
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
- Caribou (1974)
- Elton John’s Greatest Hits (1974)
- Sleeping With The Past (1989)
- The Very Best Of Elton John (1990)
- Good Morning To The Night (with Pnau) (2012)
- Diamonds (2017)
- The Lockdown Sessions (2021)
- Who Believes In Angels? (2025)
